Balsamic Red Wine Sangria

It surprises our fans, but we extol the virtues of using good balsamic vinegar in cocktails all the time. Sangria is another example.

This recipe represents one of two styles of sangria - red wine sangria. Our recipe is a Traditional Spanish-style sangria, with a red Rioja base - it tends to be fuller and richer, which is why we chose a traditional thick rich dark balsamic. We also have a recipe for a lighter Sangria Blanca, with a white wine base. You can find that recipe here.

ingredients

• 1 bottle dry bold, fruity red wine (can be on the slightly sweet side - think Rioja, zinfandel or Syrah)
• ¼ cup vodka
• ¼ cup Nan's Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 ½ cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 peach, peeled, pitted and sliced
• ¼ cup super-fine sugar, or to taste
  

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, add ice, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Some notes:

1. Depending on how sweet you prefer things, you may want to omit or add less sugar.
2. We used our Traditional Barrel-Aged Dark Balsamic for this recipe, but most dark traditional 'flavored' balsamic vinegars will work. We also loved this with our Raspberry Balsamic.
3. Feel free to interchange the fruit to the season and your liking.